Neville Parnham rolled out two more promising 3yo maiden winners by Playing God at Belmont on Wednesday and they got punters off to a profitable start at the midweek meeting.
Divine Impact won the Morley Growers Market Hcp (1000m) as a $3.10 public-elect and less than an hour later God’s Gate put five lengths on his rivals as a firming $2.40 favourite for the Glenroy Chaff Maiden (1200m).
God’s Gate eased down to win by more than five lengths / Photo: Western Racepix
Divine Impact (3f Playing God – Eladdair by Elusive Quality) travelled beautifully when racing first-up since March and let down strongly when challenged in the straight to defeat Catch Carter (I’m All The Talk) and Heavy Metal (Blue Point).
“She’s matured and has been going extra well behind the scenes,” Parnham said. “She’s also put on quite a bit of weight since her first prep and we put the blinkers on today so she would be sharper over the short course.”
Winning jockey Chris Parnham made the right call after having the choice of rides between the winner and Heavy Metal. “It was a tough decision but the filly’s work has been top-class and that’s translated to raceday. Dad has an opinion of her and she will get out further.”
Divine Impact’s dam Eladdair is owned by Darling View Thoroughbreds and she is five-for-five at stud with prior winners by Oratorio, Divine Prophet, Exceed And Excel and Nicconi who sired her 2023 Broome Cup winner Elafella.
Good as she was, Divine Impact’s stablemate God’s Gate was in another class winning the second leg under Laqdar Ramoly. He jumped straight to the front and that’s the last they saw of the big colt.
God’s Gate (3c Playing God – Death Knock by Lonhro) is a three-quarter brother to multiple Stakes-winning sprinter Ghost Who Walks (God Has Spoken) and is a homebred for Colin Loxton who raced Playing God and God Has Spoken.
“He’s always shown above-average ability and is learning very quickly,” Neville Parnham said. “He got into a rhythm and travelled strongly. His mother was quick and she’s been a good broodmare. Hopefully, he goes right on with it but he will tell us what course to map at Ascot.”
Ramoly wasn’t given any instructions and he was happy to let God’s Gate freewheel in front. “He’s a gentle giant and enjoyed rolling along in the lead. He had some breathing issues but the boss had that fixed and he finished off today like a really good horse.”
Parnham went back and purchased his Playing God full-brother for $110,000 at this year’s Perth Magic Millions. He was offered by Western Breeders Alliance (as agent) for a partnership managed by Troy Corstens.
Playing God stands for $49,500 at Darling View Thoroughbreds with Splintex ($11,000) and Lightsaber ($6,600). Service fees (inc GST). Stud manager Brent Atwell can be contacted for bookings or more information on 0408 648 100.
